AT HOME AFTER YOUR SPINE SURGERY

After your surgery, you will wake up in the recovery room. When appropriate you will be taken to your hospital room and then when all is well, you will be going home.

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After Spine Surgery

After your surgery, you will be cared for and evaluated many, many times each 24 hour period to ensure that you recover quickly and are healthy enough to go home. Now, the road to recovery begins. The immediate post-operative period is characterized by a focus on pain management and wound healing. Patients are closely monitored in the hospital to ensure their stability and to detect any potential complications. Once discharged, the recovery process continues at home. Patients are provided with specific guidelines regarding physical activity, restrictions on lifting or bending, and instructions for wound care. Physical therapy and rehabilitation is important. Over time, as the body heals, patients gradually regain their strength and experience a reduction in pain. It is important to follow the post-operative instructions, attend follow-up appointments, and have open communication with our healthcare team to ensure a successful recovery after spine surgery.

Hospital Discharge and Preparing for Home

After spine surgery, patients typically stay in the hospital for 1–3 days, depending on the complexity of the procedure. Before discharge, you will receive instructions on managing pain, wound care, and physical activity. It is essential to prepare your home environment for a smooth transition, ensuring the space is safe and comfortable.

Home Adjustments: Rearrange furniture to allow for easy mobility and remove any tripping hazards. Use assistive devices like a walker or cane if recommended.
Bed Setup: Place your bed in an easily accessible area, possibly on the ground floor if stairs are a concern. Ensure the mattress is supportive but not overly firm, promoting a neutral spine alignment.
Bathroom Safety: Install grab bars in the shower and around the toilet, and use a raised toilet seat to reduce strain.

Questions and Answers

How long will it take to recover after spine surgery?

The recovery time after spine surgery varies depending on the type and complexity of the procedure, as well as individual factors such as overall health and adherence to rehabilitation guidelines. In general, it can take several weeks to months for the initial recovery. However, complete recovery and return to normal activities may take several months to a year. Your surgeon will provide you with specific guidelines based on your condition and surgery.

What precautions should I take during the recovery period?

Post-operative care and precautions become crucial for a successful recovery after spine surgery. Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions, but some common precautions may include:

Avoiding heavy lifting, bending, or twisting for a certain period.
Following a prescribed exercise and physical therapy program to strengthen the muscles around the spine and improve flexibility.
Wearing any braces or supports as directed.
Maintaining good posture and body mechanics while sitting, standing, and lifting.
Avoiding smoking and maintaining a healthy diet to promote healing.

When can I expect to see improvements in my symptoms?

The timeframe for symptom improvement can vary depending on the underlying condition, the extent of surgery, and individual factors. Some patients experience immediate relief of certain symptoms, while others may take time to notice improvements. The patient should have realistic expectations and understand that the healing process takes time. Your surgeon will monitor your progress and guide you through the expected timeline for symptom improvement.

Pain management is crucial during the initial days at home. Your doctor will likely prescribe pain medications, which may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, or muscle relaxants. Follow the prescribed dosages and timing to maintain comfort.

Non-Medication Options: Use ice packs to reduce swelling and inflammation. Heat therapy may also help to relax muscles but should be used as directed by your healthcare team.
Weaning Off Medications: As your pain decreases, you’ll slowly reduce the use of stronger pain medications like opioids. Over-reliance on these can lead to dependency, so it’s important to switch to over-the-counter options as soon as possible under your doctor’s guidance.

Physical Activity and Movement

One of the most critical elements in recovering from spine surgery is early mobility. Movement aids in preventing blood clots and keeps your muscles from stiffening. However, it’s crucial to follow a structured plan to avoid complications like excessive strain on the spine or dislodging surgical hardware.

Walking: Short, frequent walks are generally recommended within the first few days of coming home. Gradually increase the duration and distance based on your surgeon’s advice.
Body Mechanics: Follow strict guidelines on how to get in and out of bed, sit, and stand. Use the “log roll” technique to move in bed, keeping your back straight and moving your shoulders and hips in unison.
Avoid Lifting and Bending: You should avoid lifting anything heavier than 5-10 pounds during the initial weeks. Bending or twisting the spine is also prohibited, as these movements can put undue pressure on the surgical site.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy will likely be prescribed after a few weeks of initial recovery. It is essential for rebuilding muscle strength, improving flexibility, and restoring range of motion. A physical therapist will guide you through exercises that are safe for your specific condition.

Core Strengthening: Core muscles support the spine, and strengthening them is vital for long-term recovery. Exercises might include gentle leg lifts or abdominal contractions, under supervision.
Stretching: Gentle stretches to improve flexibility in the hamstrings, hips, and lower back can relieve stiffness and pain.
Aerobic Exercise: Low-impact aerobic exercises, such as swimming or stationary cycling, may be introduced to enhance cardiovascular health without putting too much strain on the spine.

Wound Care and Monitoring for Complications

Your surgical site will be dressed with bandages, which must be kept clean and dry to avoid infection. Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding how often to change dressings and whether or not you can shower.

Watch for Infection: Redness, swelling, increased pain, or discharge from the wound could be signs of infection. If you notice any of these, or if you develop a fever, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Monitoring for Other Complications

In addition to infection, keep an eye out for other possible post-operative complications such as:

Blood Clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis): If you notice swelling in your legs, pain in the calves, or warmth in the skin, seek medical attention as this could indicate a blood clot.
Spinal Fluid Leak: Some patients may experience headaches or clear fluid draining from the incision site, indicating a cerebrospinal fluid leak. This requires prompt medical attention.
Nerve Symptoms: Mild tingling or numbness may occur post-surgery but should decrease over time. If these symptoms worsen, consult your doctor to ensure there’s no nerve damage.

PLEASE DO:

Wear a clean shirt or another clean garment over the incision and change at least once a day
Check your incision at least once daily for the first three weeks for signs of infection, including:
– Increased warmth or redness
– Swelling or discharge
– Unexplained, increasing pain not relieved by bed rest or local application of ice

DO NOT DO:

Shower and wash with mild, fragrance-free soap (Dial antibacterial, Ivory, etc.); pat dry gently
Leave the Steri-Strips (adhesive tape) over your incision for 12 to 14 days. If they fall off naturally, it’s okay, but don’t pull or tug on them
If you have staples, make an appointment to have them removed per your surgeon’s recommendation after surgery:
Apply creams, ointments or lotions to the incision for at least eight weeks
Submerge in water until you receive the okay from your physician at your follow-up visit
Use a heating pad on your back or incision; you may burn your skin without realizing it due to the decreased feeling in the area
Expose your incision to direct sunlight until it has faded in color to maintain good cosmetic closure of the wound; if your scar will be exposed to the sun, use a high SPF sunblock

Brace Instructions

Depending on the type of spinal fusion, you may be given a brace to be used after surgery. Furthermore, the brace provides comfort and security and helps to decrease muscle strain. It also reminds patients to be mindful of their posture and new spine position.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR BRACE USAGE:

For the first 8 to 12 weeks, wear your brace when you are

Up for extended periods of time
Leaving the house and/or riding in a car
At physical therapy
You do not need to wear your brace when you are in bed, in a reclining chair, getting up to go to the bathroom or just moving around the house. The brace is to provide support and to remind you not to bend at the waist.
Wear your brace for physical therapy. If at any time you feel the brace is putting you in an uncomfortable position or not fitting properly, contact our office.

Diet and Hydration

Maintaining a healthy diet rich in vitamins and nutrients is crucial for healing and reducing inflammation. Proper nutrition can speed recovery and prevent complications such as constipation, which is common after surgery due to medications and reduced mobility.

Fiber and Hydration: To combat constipation, increase your fiber intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Protein for Healing: Incorporate lean proteins like chicken, fish, and plant-based options (beans, tofu) to aid in tissue repair.
Limit Processed Foods: Avoid overly processed and high-sugar foods that can lead to inflammation and slower recovery.

In addition to any prescribed medications, you should begin taking these over-the-counter supplements:

Vitamin D3 and calcium (such as Caltrate) to help promote a successful fusion
A stool softener and fiber supplement to help prevent constipation
Multivitamin

Bone Stimulator

Our doctors may recommend a bone stimulator to help assist with the bone fusion process. Your doctor will give this to you at your first postoperative follow-up visit or mailed to you with instructions for use.

Activity During the First Month

Soreness, stiffness, and fatigue are all common after surgery and will naturally limit your activity at first. Let pain be your guide. Several weeks post-op, however, you will become more active and gradually return to your normal activities. Also, your goal in the first few weeks is to regain basic movements.

GUIDELINES FOR ACTIVITY:

Begin walking in the house and progress to outdoors
Increase your time and distance daily; if you feel soreness, reduce the distance and rest
Walk as much as possible with a goal of walking 30 minutes continuously every day
It’s okay to:
– Ride (as a passenger) in a car or take public transportation, but avoid sitting for long periods – Climb stairs

DO NOT:

Lift more than 10 pounds
Lift objects above shoulder level
Sit for long periods of time
Twist, bend, push, stoop and strain for the first eight to 12 weeks as it may increase pain and muscle spasms; this means no housework or yard work, including – Gardening, mowing, vacuuming, ironing, and loading and unloading the dishwasher, washer, or dryer
Perform high-impact activities such as running, horseback riding, or any radical side-to-side motions until cleared by your surgeon

Use the techniques that you were taught in the hospital to compensate for these restrictions and to help with reaching and lifting.

Physical Therapy after Spine Surgery

Physical therapy is typically started after your body and muscles have healed from surgery; which takes a different amount of time for each person. We will release you for physical therapy when you are ready. This may be at your first or second postoperative visit, depending on your progress. Physical therapy typically begins three to four months after surgery and usually lasts six to 12 weeks. Spinal deformity surgery requires significant retraction of spinal muscles. After surgery, these muscles will need time to accommodate the new spinal position. Both of these situations will cause muscles to get inflamed, causing frequent muscle spasms.

Physical therapy helps strengthen, coordinate, and balance those weak and painful muscles. Patients should know that beginning physical therapy may cause a recurrence of pain and weakness. Therefore, we recommend that you do not stop taking muscle relaxers, even if you think they are not helping. Do not get discouraged if you have occasional symptom flare-ups. This is normal. Flare-ups are bound to occur during this phase because your body has not fully healed.

Physical therapy will teach you activities that help maintain good posture and don’t twist the spine.

Lifestyle Modifications During Recovery

Getting adequate rest is essential for the healing process. While resting, it’s important to maintain a neutral spine position, whether you’re lying on your back or side.

Pillows for Support: Use pillows to support your knees or neck as needed. This will relieve pressure on the spine and reduce discomfort.
Sleep Hygiene: Keep a consistent sleep schedule and ensure that your bedroom environment is conducive to restful sleep.

Emotional and Mental Health

Recovering from spine surgery can be a slow and sometimes frustrating process. It’s important to pay attention to your mental health and emotional well-being during this time.

Coping with Pain: Chronic pain can lead to anxiety or depression, so it may be beneficial to talk to a counselor or join a support group.
Setting Realistic Goals: Work with your doctor to set achievable recovery goals and celebrate small victories as you regain strength and mobility.

Long-Term Recovery and Follow-up Care

Regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon are essential to ensure your recovery is progressing as expected. These visits typically include X-rays or other imaging to assess the healing of the spine and surgical hardware.

Return to Work and Daily Activities

When you can return to work will depend on the type of surgery and the nature of your job. Sedentary work may be possible within a few weeks, while more physically demanding jobs may require months of recovery.

Driving: You should not drive until you are off pain medications and have regained sufficient mobility to turn your head and respond quickly.

Long-term Outlook

The success of spine surgery often depends not only on the operation itself but also on how well you adhere to recovery guidelines. Most patients experience significant pain relief and improved quality of life, but it’s important to continue following your doctor’s advice on posture, exercise, and activity restrictions to prevent re-injury.

Conclusion

Recovering from spine surgery at home requires a combination of proper pain management, careful movement, physical therapy, and emotional support. Adhering to medical advice and taking care of your body during this period is key to achieving the best possible outcome. With patience and attention to your recovery process, you can regain strength, mobility, and return to daily activities over time.

Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute

The Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute is known as the Dallas Metroplex and the North Texas premier Scoliosis and spine practice. Also, our doctors, who have offices in Dallas, Plano, and Frisco, Texas, believe that our patients always have questions and invite our patients to call the office to get them answered. We have a large staff that can answer most questions, but the doctors are readily available. Therefore, If you have any additional questions, please call us.

If you or a loved one suffers from spinal pain, you owe it to yourself to call Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute at 214-556-0555 to make an appointment.